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DIY home security. Is it worth the risk?

Being new in town was all the reason Martha Pfleeger needed to add some extra security to her family's home.

"It's a new area to us and we've got two kids, so having a security system just feels safer to us," she said.

Like many, the Pfleegers are on a budget so they opted to install their security system themselves.

Angie Hicks, Angie's List Founder, said more families are going in that direction.

"DIY security systems have become much more affordable," Hick said. "You can get a typical system for less than $200 and that's going to include door and window sensors, motion sensors and an audible alarm."

"Homeowners should consider all of the entry points in their home when selecting components for a burglar alarm," Will Deines, VP of Operations at SimpliSafe said.

He suggests you look for the places that thieves can easily access.

"Typically your first floor windows are accessible from the outside and you want protection on those and, of course, all the doors that lead to the outside," he said.

Professional monitoring can be added to DIY systems so that police are called when the system is triggered. That will add a monthly fee to your budget. If you want constant surveillance you will have to spend the money and hire a professional.

Even though it's an extra monthly bill, Angie Hicks said police monitoring can mean a break on homeowners' insurance as well and more peace-of-mind. Learn how to work the system, though, because too many false alarms can trigger local fines.